We've got to win our own mini-league to survive, says Yorath

MARGATE boss Terry Yorath admits his side are playing in their own “mini-league” as they bid to beat the drop from the Ryman Premier League, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Thanet side performed well during their 2-2 draw against high-flying Dartford at Hartsdown Park at the weekend, and the Welshman, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk, said they must beat the teams in and around them to survive.

Ninth placed Horsham visit Hartsdown Park this coming Saturday, before Margate complete their season against Maidstone United (12^th place); Billericay Town (10^th); Harrow Borough (16^th); Heybridge Swifts (bottom); Sutton United (4^th) and second placed Staines Town.

“We’ve got to play a few teams down here in the league this year,” said the Welsh legend, who added, “We’ve got to win those games.”

“Like they say in the Premier League or whatever, it’s your own mini-league and we have to beast those teams.”

Margate deserved a point against Tony Burman’s Darts, but the club are waiting for a decision from the Ryman League over their abandoned game at Canvey Island eight days ago.

Yorath’s ten-men were winning 4-0 at the time that the game was halted due to a power failure that struck half of Canvey Island, ending the game with just eight minutes left.

And with Ryman League chairman Alan Turvey watching from the stand at Hartsdown Park against the Darts, Yorath hopes justice prevails.

If it does, Margate will be sitting on 36 points, and more importantly the club will be sitting outside the drop zone.

“We’ve got to look at the game we played last week against Canvey Island and hope we get the three points,” said Yorath.

“Those three points will be a huge bonus for us. They shouldn’t be a bonus because when you’ve played 85 minutes and you’re winning 4-0 then that should stand.

“But we’ll just have to wait and see.”

But before Horsham visit Hartsdown Park at the weekend, a side that are only seven points adrift of the play-off zone, the Kent County League side Canterbury City arrive for a friendly match on Tuesday night.

The Margate team will include some first team players, some reserves and some trialists.

And in line for the weakened team selection, admission prices have been slashed to £3 (adults) and £1 (children).

Visit Margate’s website: www.margate-fc.com

Margate v Horsham
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 14^th March 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Hartsdown Park, Hartsdown Road, Margate, Kent CT9 5QZ